Scope and Contents

Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news. The letter includes an addition (dated April 24, 1849) from Lauriston B. Hardin.

Biographical / Historical

This letter was written to Augusta Lane Hardin, Lauriston B. Hardin's second wife and Mark B. Hardin's stepmother. At the time, Mark was 11 years old and his stepmother was visiting her family in Wilmington. This letter was sent to Augusta Hardin in care of Levin Lane, Esq. (1793-1863). Mark's family was then living in Washington, D.C. where Lauriston was the Clerk and Registrar of the Department of the Navy.

Transcription

Washington. April 21st 1849

My dear Mother As today is a holiday I thought I would write you a few lines telling you all the news.

Last night there was a very large fire, destroying two or three houses and injuring two or three very much, - the fire began about twelve o'clock and lasted about an hour. A stable was set on fire behind those taverns near the canal, the taverns caught and burnt very badly. There were also several pigeons burnt during the fire. I went up to father's office today and spent the day with him and I had a very fine time.

I heard that there was a very deep snow in Wilmington not long ago. We have had very bad weather too, one day it snowed and rained both.

Father has not determined to get the house near the Fraily's, but he will, if he does not get Captain Powell's near Gadsby's Hotel, he will know tomorrow whether Captain Powell will let him have his for $350 or not.

Father has been suffering for some time with the pain in his shoulder, but I am happy to say that he is getting a great deal better.

We have had two or three serenades since you have been gone. The gentlemen came in the parlor and played for almost an hour then went down the front steps and sat on the boxes and played Oh! Susannah, then they went away. Give my love to Your Mother and your sisters and Eddy. Miss Anna Tanney has gone to Philadelphia to take a little trip for the benefit of her health, which has been rather bad. After the cold spell we have had, it is now quite mild again.

Captain Powell's house has a great deal of nice fruit in the garden, which is a very pretty one.

And now as it is getting late I must end my letter. From Your Affectionate Son M B Hardin

P.S.Father is going to write you a few lines. Grand Father sends his love to you and Miss Virginia.

Apl. 24, 1849 I have but a moment, my dearest wife, to put a short P.S. to your son's letter. He began it on Saturday, but did not finish it till last night. The mail closes early this morning so I must necessarily be short. I was quite disappointed last evening at not receiving a letter from you. I learned, however, that there was no mail south of Petersburg, which I suppose will account for your letters' not coming, as I take if for granted it was started in due time. Well, 'most two weeks have passed since you left us; they have passed quite heavily with me, & I begin to feel quite anxious for the hour of meeting to arrive. I am unable to say how soon I may be able to get off, for as yet, business seems to be increasing rather than falling off; but I will be better able to judge of the prospects when I answer your letter, which I expect tonight or tomorrow. In the near time, I hope you will enjoy yourself, and not get homesick or husband-sick. I have quite recovered from my attack, or rather I feel a great deal better. The pain in my breast and shoulder has "left for parts unknown" and I have no cough at all; so on the (subject?) of my health you need not be uneasy.

Best love to all the family. How did you enjoy the snow & green peas & perhaps strawberries?

Mr. Hooe is in Alexandria, which accounts for Mr. Hooe's love coming alone. Good bye - your devoted husband L B Hardin

Scope and Contents

Written from "Battery 8, Richmond," Virgnia. Letter regards Civil War service and family news.

Biographical / Historical

At the time of this letter, Mark B. Hardin was serving in the Confederate Army as a Major in command of the Heavy Artillery Battalion, 18th Virginia, assigned to the defenses at Richmond, Virginia.

Transcription

Battery 8, Richmond Jan'y 3rd 1864

Dear Sue I received your letter yesterday & was truly glad to hear from you. I should have written before, but your last letter was in some way misplaced and I did not know where to address. You say that if I do not pay you a visit soon that you will never forgive me. If you won't forgive, you'll never forget me, so I am almost determined never to go to see you. But I am sure that such a course will be unnecessary to keep me in your memory, and whenever I can make it conveniently, I shall certainly pay you the visit. Just now it will not be possible to do so.

It is true that I am allowing my soldiers to go on furlough, but I do not feel disposed to ask a leave of absence for myself. This is not my dear sister because I am not truly anxious to see you, but because I am now, & will be for some time, quite busy in settling up my official transactions & accounts for the last quarter of the old year. I have not had, Sue, a leave of absence for a single day since I have been in service, and it has become a sort of matter of pride to be able to know that I have never asked for such an indulgence. I determined when I entered the service that I would not apply for a leave unless it was upon a matter of absolute necessity, and I am sure you would not have me break through this resolution. Some of these days when I can convince myself that it is necessary to take a short respite from the duties & troubles of the camp, I will make it a duty, as it will always be my greatest pleasure, to run down & visit you.

Do not think my dear sister, that I am forgetful, or that my affection for you is in the least diminished. I constantly think of you, and am more & more solicitous about you as you grow older. I look forward to the time when this direful war will cease, and anticipate the most delightful seasons of companionship with you. God grant in His Mercy & Providence that these anticipations may be realized.

I hope you had a pleasant Christmas & that your New Year promises to be a happy one. My Christmas was very dull. No Santa Claus, no merry faces, no big bowl of egg-nog, no family gathering, no luxurious table, nothing, in such, to remind me of the Christmas of the good old times. The New Year has passed upon us, as the old one passed away. Such is the fate of the soldiers. But what else should we expect. We are not in the service to make merry and have fun. Many, very many unpleasant things have to be submitted to. These we must bear as patiently and cheerfully as possible, and recollect the cause in which we are engaged and the mighty interests, which are at stake.

An under regard for self-enjoyment has probably caused some of our reverses; our motto for the New Year should be "Duty".

You write in such excellent spirits that I am sure you have been enjoying yourself much. This fully compensates for my dull Christmas.

By the way, Sue, you said something in one of your letters about a very dear friend of yours who was going to pay a visit to Richmond this winter. You stated that she intended staying at Capt Miles Selden's, but did not tell me the name of the young lady. You must let me know who she is, so that I may call on her.

You must look around too, and try & find me a nice little sweet-heart by the time I pay you the visit. I can not find anyone to suit me up this way, and I understand that there are some very sweet girls in N.C.

Cousin Jimmy(?) has, I see, been giving you quite an account of my younger days - days before your were born, Sue. I have changed much since then and I daresay Jimmy would not recollect the little curly headed boy who could neither ride nor climb. I should like very much to see him & you must give my love to him. Tell him his instructions were profited by and that the pupil will almost be willing to hazard a trial of powers with his master.

I met a gentleman not long ago who told me that a cousin of mine was stationed in Raleigh. He was on duty in the Provost Marshal's Office. I did not learn his first name but suffice it must be either Jimmy(?) or his brother. If you know what cousin it is, you must tell me in your next letter.

Phil is out in east Tennessee. I heard from him a few days ago. He was very well. Have not heard from Washington lately. Give my love to Johnny & tell him not to grow so fast that I will not know him when I see him. Remember me to your Grandma, Uncle Walter, and all other members of the family. Always send love to Cousins Julia & Eliza. I feel toward them much as if they were near relatives, and never shall forget the pleasant associations with Julia or the sweet little face & manners of Eliza. It seems strange to think that Eliza is now a "?". I can scarcely realize it, for it seems but yesterday when she used to play about our house as a mere child. Girls grow so much more rapidly than boys that I expect to find you almost a woman when I pay that visit.

Write soon, Sue, and tell me what you & Johnny are doing. Your affectionate brother Bunny

Who directed the last two letters you sent me? I am not familiar with the handwriting. It is very pretty.

Scope and Contents

Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter laments separation of families caused by War and references Mark B. Hardin's situation as a prisoner of war.

Biographical / Historical

The Hooe family was kin to the Hardins through the marriage of Lauriston B. Hardin to his first wife, Anna M. H. Hooe. She was Mark B. Hardin's mother. After Lauriston's (second) marriage to Augusta Lane Hardin, the children of that marriage, Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin, adopted the Hooes as their "Grandparents." In this letter, Susan's "Grandfather," Bernard Hooe (1791-1869), is writing for the first time after mail communications were established.

Transcription

To Susan L. Hardin & John H. Hardin Elizabeth, New Jersey June 19, 1865

My dear children I have anxiously desired, for the four last and eventful years to write to you and afford a proper manifestation of that kind interest and regard which I feel to be preeminently due to you. But my hands have been tied, and I have been denied that privilege by the intervention of causes beyond my control, and resulting most disastrously to our Southern Country, in whose desolation I have been, as you may naturally suppose, an earnest sympathizer.

The struggle in which all the energies of our dear people have been most zealously and patriotically enlisted may be regarded as now ended, and I avail myself of the earliest opportunity to begin a correspondence with you which would never have been delayed or suspended but for the distracted state of the country, necessarily interrupting all our social relations & friendly intercourse.

Since we had the happiness of seeing each other, sad changes have occurred in our respective families and gloom, amounting almost to despondency, has supervened as resulting from the desolation of our own firesides.

Within one year after the commencement of the late conflict in which your brother and my youngest son felt impelled to hazard all, in vindication of their inalienable rights, in addition to the sore privation of their society and intercourses, I have been subjected to the deepest affliction in the loss of your dear and devoted Grand-ma, as you were always pleased to call her, of whose presence and good counsel I was deprived on the 14th July 1862, since which time the world has, to me, appeared a desert, offering little inducement to a man of nearly seventy five years, to desire longer to witness its' constant fluctuations and instability.

And I regret to have learned that it has fallen also to your lot to have experienced a similar affliction in the loss of your Grandfather Lane, on which event I beg to assure you that you and your excellent Grandmother have my cordial sympathy and condolence.

You will desire to receive some information in regard to your brother, Mark Bernard, which, at this instance, I hasten to communicate, to relieve your anxiety in rogation to him. In the last battle of the army about Richmond, he was captured with a large number of Confederate officers and men attached to the command of Genl. Ewell, and they arrived in Washington City D.C. in the afternoon of that day on which the assassination of the late President, A. Lincoln took place, and but a few hours before that tragic event. The Prisoners, thus captured, were detained in the old Capitol Prison until 4o'c. in the afternoon of Monday the 16th of April, whereby an opportunity was afforded to many of his friends to see him.

Mrs. Johnston, his aunt, Doct. Johnston, his uncle Bernard and I were among those who enjoyed that privilege, and were gratified by a brief interview with him; and profited by the opportunity of furnishing such article of necessary clothing as he was then enabled to take with him and a small sum of money to supply such wants as were not likely to be gratified by the liberality of the United States' Government. After our hurried interview, the Prisoners were conducted to the cars, and were carried to Johnson's Island, (Sandusky, Ohio) where they arrived in about 48 hours, and were as comfortable situated as was consistent with their condition, deprived of their accustomed liberty.

In a few days after his arrival at that place, he wrote to me and gave the information above communicated to you; and has corresponded pretty regularly with his aunts Mrs. Johnston in Washington, and Mrs. Fowle & myself here.

His aunts have promptly supplied him with such articles of clothing as he has desired, the list of which was furnished by himself; and by a letter written by him on the 25th day of May, inst., and received by me on Monday last 29th May, the receipt of those articles is acknowledged by him, so that, as far as clothing may be necessary for his comfort, he has been abundantly supplied, according to his own declaration. A further sum of money has been also sent to him in pursuance of the privilege obtained from the authorities at Johnson's Island, and, as long as he may be detained there, every necessary attention will be given to secure his comfort.

Both his aunts and I have written to him, offering him all the consolation in our power, and we have made an earnest appeal to him to avail himself of the earliest opportunity which may be presented, and take the requisite oath of allegiance to the Federal Government, (there being none other now organized or recognized) and come again, and without longer delay, to his friends and relations. This we earnestly hope he will do, and thus place himself in a position to begin life anew, and establish himself in such position as cannot fail to ensure him success and prosperity.

Your uncle Philip B. Hooe was on the same battlefield on which it was your brother's misfortune to be captured, and in which too Genl. Corse, to whose staff Philip belonged, became also a Prisoner; but by sudden movement as Genl. Corse informs me by letter from Fort Warren, Philip was at the head of the column which escaped the fate of his comrades. I recd. from him yesterday a letter written at Lynchburg, Va. on the 25th of May, informing us that he expects to be in Richmond about this time, and hopes to be with his family in a few days. He was probably a paroled Prisoner embraced in Genl. Lee's surrender, and may thus be enabled to come home at once.

We will continue to look with ceaseless anxiety for the safe and speedy return of both our dear boys, of whose honorable deportment their friends here all feel most proud.

All the members of my family both here and in Washington are well and unite in kind regards for your dear Grandmother, Mrs. Lane, and in affectionate remembrance of you both. I sent your brother's address, which, if you wish, may enable you to write to him, if the mail communication between your residence and Sandusky, Ohio, (Johnson's Island) shall be open. Your anxious Grandfather, B. Hooe

Scope and Contents

When Mark B. Hardin was taken prisoner, the family swung into action to obtain his release. Dr. William P. Johnston, an uncle and a physician of some influence, wrote this letter regarding Hardin's release. The letter also mentions the status of Lauriston B. Hardin's estate, which was tied up in court prior to the Civil War.

General

Washington D.C. June 25 1865

My dear Susan, Your letter of the 14th inst. was received today & it gives me great pleasure to be able to convey to you favorable news of the health of your talented and gallant brother. He reached Washington, a prisoner of war, a day or two after the surrender of Lee's army. Your Aunt Mary & myself, & also Mr. Hooe, had the pleasure of seeing him. He was quite well & in good spirits. After being detained here a day or two he was sent to Johnson's Island.

It is now about two weeks since I obtained from the President an order for his release. I have just learned that he was not released in consequence of an error in the office of the Governor General of Prisoners. They have promised to send on the order by telegraph today. While in prison he has been supplied with money & clothing.

I cannot say how much money you will be entitled to in the (?) of your father's estate. The farm was sold & a portion of the money received by the Commissioner, who has since died. I presume the whole amount of purchase money may still be collected. The house at the corner of 14 & H. Sts. was sold, under the decree of the court, to satisfy two claims against the estate; the property sold well & there remains over & above these claims between 4 & 5 thousand dollars, which is still in bank & held by the court.

Besides this your grandfather interest from the proceeds of the rent of the house the sum of $900 in Washington City stock, & a small amt. has been also invested in U.S. stock, about $200 I think.

I hold also in my business $69 in Virginia funds which Mr. Hooe received on the sale of certain articles from the farm. These may earn additional sums which I cannot recall at present.

We are all well & living in Washington (?) (?) in much love to you & your brother & in kindest regards to Mrs. Lane Most affectionately Yours W.P. Johnston

PS Mr. Hooe is well & at present living with the Geo Fowle's family at Elizabeth, New Jersey J.

Scope and Contents

Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's pending release from prison and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.

Transcription

Elizabeth - New Jersey June 29th 1865

My dear Susan, I hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, addressed to Dr. Wm. P. Johnston of Washington, D.C. dated on the 14th inst., forwarded to me from the latter place, and received by mail of yesterday.

You will perceive by the enclosed letter, that I had written to you some time previous to the receipt of your acceptable favor, and it's transmission has been unavoidably delayed by the absence of mail facilities of which distant friends in the South have been hitherto deprived.

Having in that former letter given you a somewhat detailed account of our own family in which no changes have since occurred, it will not now be necessary that I should repeat anything then mentioned.

Dr. Johnston has informed me by his letter of yesterday that he has answered your enquiries as far as he could, and expresses the hope that your dear brother M.B.H. may arrive here as soon as your letter enclosed to me by him should reach me at this place. Such, however, is not the case, but we are in the constant expectation of having the extreme happiness of greeting his return to his family and friends after his absence of four long & anxious years.

More than two weeks have elapsed since Dr. Johnston obtained from the President an order for our dear boy's release, which, as I presume he has advised you, was by him handed to the proper officer (General Hoffman, the Commissary General of Prisoners) to be by him forwarded to the commanding officer at Johnson's Island, and it was therefore naturally and reasonably expected that he would have been immediately discharged. The delay to do so has been occasioned by some official oversight or inadvertence which a subordinate in the Commissary's Bureau has assured Dr. J. should be immediately remedied by a telegraphic dispatch from that office. You will therefore perceive the ground on which our hope and expectation of his early restoration to us are based, and we most earnestly and anxiously hope we shall be no longer doomed to disappointment.

I am not, my dear child, surprised to hear of the deplorable condition in which you have been left by the late cruel war, by which the whole Southern country has been devastated; and my most anxious desire, in which I am seconded by all the friends of your beloved father and his children, has been, and is to do all in our power for your relief, and as speedily as may be practicable, but there is reason to fear that some time will expire before the desired object can be consummated. Some two creditors of your father, being uneasy in regard to their respective claims against his estate, and being the more apprehensive of tedious delay necessarily resulting from the war, determined to institute legal proceedings for the recovery of their claims; no private arrangement could be made by any of us here, because you and your younger brother were, what is termed in the law infants, whose interests were to be guarded by the court, to which it's supervision properly belongs.

A Decree was obtained in the court at Washington for the sale of the Real Estate in that City, and from the proceeds thereof the only remaining debts due from the estate have been discharged, and a balance is left amounting to some six thousand five or six hundred dollars, which has been vested, under the direction of the Court, in United States 7/30 bonds, bearing interest, & subject to the future order of the court.

In addition to that amount, the proceeds to be derived from the sale of the farm in the country, expects to produce some $5000 or $6000, will be held subject to such disposition as the Courts may direct; we hope therefore that a sum not less that $12,000 may be realized and held subject to the future orders of the Courts in which the proceedings have been instituted, and without the knowledge or consent of myself or any of your friends in Washington or elsewhere.

We will resort to any legal and proper one and to protect the funds from confiscation or other action of the Government.

When your brother shall arrive here, he will be informed of the circumstances herein detailed, and which have not been yet communicated to him, and after taking such steps as may be deemed proper for the protection of the interest of all the children, as far as that can be effected, you shall be more particularly informed by him and by myself.

This statement is now made in justice to you all and should have been earlier communicated if I had known your address.

Your Aunt Ellen and all her family unite with me in the assurance of constant and undiminished interest in, and affection for your little brother John and yourself, and in their high regard for you dear Grandmother Lane, to whom we desire to be presented in terms of kind remembrance.

Uncertain whether there is a direct communication open to Fayetteville, this will be sent from New York via Wilmington, where your letter to Dr. J. was mailed. You anxious and affectionate Grandfather B. Hooe

I will be very happy to hear from you, according to the date of this letter. Excuse any interlineations and omissions and make every proper allowance for the nervous writing of your Septuagenarian Grandfather, who does not now find writing as easy as he did five or six year ago. When you write tell Johnny to add a Post Script.

Scope and Contents

Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.

Transcription

Washington, July 10th (1865)

My dear Sue I have just arrived here & have seen your letter to Dr. W.P.J. I am now attending to the business referred to in your letter. I think we can so arrange it as to secure all due us - about 11 or 12,000 dollars. It will be necessary for you & John to have a guardian appointed in North Carolina or else to come on here. To save the expense of travel, it will be much better to have, if possible, the guardian appointed in N. Carolina. If the Courts are in operation, have this done at once or let me know when it can be effected. I wish to hear immediately about this, as I will have a petition drawn up & sent in for your guardian to sign. I hope we may be able to avoid the necessity of bringing you here just at this time because we can ill afford it. Great as is my desire to see you, it is necessary for the interest of both of us to be as economical as possible just now, and I must try & establish myself in some business. I have not yet determined where to settle, but will keep you advised.

I wish your Uncle Walter or your Grandmother would write & let me know exactly how your affairs stand in N.C. Whether you & John have anything left. I supposed that you had property or money in such shape as not to have been effected by the war. Thankful we (must) be that we have all been preserved, & deplorable and heart rending as the times have been, we must look & bend our energies to the future.

When you write, address (it) care of Dr. Johnston.

Remember me kindly to you Grandma & friends. Love to John. As you see, I write in great haste & will give you more news at another time. Ever your devoted brother Bunny

Scope and Contents

Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.

Transcription

Washington Aug 9th (1865)

My dear Sue Your most welcome letter has been received and I am truly glad to hear that you are all well. I wrote to you about a month ago, and fearing irregularities of the mail, addressed the letter to care of Messrs. DeRosset & Co. Wilmington. I was exceedingly anxious to hear from you, (apprehending?) from your letter to Dr. Johnston that the family has been sorely troubled by the march of troops last spring. Your letter just received gives therefore great relief to the anxiety felt.

I told you in my last that the proceeds of sale of Alexa(ndria) property could not be gotten at first (?). The payments have not been completed & little or nothing can be done in the case until the November Court.

With regard to the funds in Washington - you and John have each have about $2300, which the court will order to be payed (sic) to your guardian.

Since writing to you, Judge Wylie has informed me that a guardian can be appointed here without the presence of John & yourself. Therefore if you choose not to have the matter deferred, I will see if the amount in the hands of the court cannot be obtained.

Phil is still your guardian in Va. & he may possibly get the money without further proceeding in the way of appointments, etc. I will not do anything until I hear from you, but let me know at once whether you wish the money sent on to you. It is at present invested in 7 3/10 bonds. See your Uncle Walter & Grandma & ask their advice.

Let me know what disposition you wish made of the money. I have written this, for fear that you and John may have immediate wants. Tell me also whether you have yet a guardian in North Carolina.

I will not be able to visit you for some time, my dear Sue, as I am yet unemployed & can not think of traveling just now. If I should be fortunate enough to get something to do, I hope to run down and see you all this fall or in the winter. Everything is so compromising, that it is enough to depress anyone. I will keep you constantly informed of my movements and hope soon to tell you that. I am no longer a gentleman of elegance & leisure.

Address all your letters for the present to care of Dr. W.P. Johnston. Your affectionate remembrances of Grandfather & the family are highly appreciated and all returning most warmly their love to you & John. Write often Sue & do not be ceremonious. Kindest regards to your grandma & family. Your affectionate brother Bunny

Scope and Contents

Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.

Transcription

I sent you 33 stamps Washington Sep 7th (1865)

My dear Sue, I have just returned from Virginia where I have been for two weeks attending to business. Your letter has just been placed in my hands & I hasten to answer it. I have this morning written to your Uncle Walter, and I hope he will answer without delay, so that I may have the matter of business attended to at once.

Just as soon as a guardian files a proper petition for that portion of the money remaining from the estate in Washington it can be obtained. The money is invested in 7 3/10 bonds & is drawing a good interest, but if you wish it, that is need it, you can get it. It can be placed in the hands of your N. Car. guardian. We can do nothing here until we know whether you have a guardian (or can have one appointed in N.Ca.) Do have the matter attended to at once.

I have not determined what to do; will let you know as soon as I settle. I will try & go on this fall & see you. The expense of travel is all that prevents me now. I am particularly anxious about the education of Johnny. It must not be neglected.

Grandfather is in Elizabeth N. Jersey & remembers you most kindly, as do all other members of the family. I am glad to hear that you are progressing so well with your studies & that you are so much pleased with your Cousin Rosa's instruction.

I hope to be established some of these days & have a house of my own where you & I & John can take care of each other. Many days of hard work must pass before that can be however, and we must hope for the best.

I feel relieved when I know that you & John will not suffer & that you have enough money to supply wants for some time to come.

This fall we hope to get hold of the money for the Alexa(ndria) estate. Altogether then each of us will have about $5000 (five thousand) so there is at least no danger of starving.

You must be hopeful & not allow yourself to despair. Write soon & write often. It will not be long before you hear from me again.

I have written very hurriedly, for I have a number of business letters in hand which must be attended to right off. Best of love to all - Your devoted bro(ther) Bunny

Scope and Contents

Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards family news and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.

Transcription

Elizabeth, New Jersey September 26, 1865

My dear Susie, I cannot find language suitably to express the gratification I have derived from the receipt of your most acceptable letter of 5th inst. Which came to me yesterday thro' the Post Office at New York, to which I hasten to reply, to show my high appreciation of your kind remembrance of me.

If I know myself I can never cease to feel an abiding interest in, and affection for the dear children of your beloved parents, both of whom I have always regarded with the most devoted and earnest attachment. And for the sake of yourself and dear little Johnnie, as well as because of my regard for your dear deceased parents, I can never entertain any other sentiments than those of kindness and affection.

You have perceived, by the date of my former letter, that it had been written a considerable time before it was transmitted, awaiting the re-establishment of mail facilities, of which I availed myself at the earliest moment after I had been advised, thro' your letter to Dr. Johnston of Washington City, D.C. as to your address.

I congratulate you on the safety of your brother Bunnie, who passed so successfully thro' the perils to which he was always exposed for the four eventful years of his life, and that he has been restored to his family and friends in that state of health and security which leaves his capacity for future usefulness unimpaired. He is now here, and desires me to say that he has written to you some weeks ago, and addressed his letter to your uncle Walter Lane, Wilmington, N. Carolina: and at the same time he wrote also to him, as your Guardian, informing him what is required by the Courts to be done by him in order that he may receive the share of Johnnie and yourself which has been decreed by the Courts in your favor, and which, if I mistake not, amounts to something near Six thousand dollars, derived from the property in Washington and the farm in Virginia: There will be still a balance coming from the latter source, in regard to which, other proceedings in the Alexandria Court will yet be necessary: what that amount may be I am not now able to inform you.

Your uncle Walter, as Guardian for you & Johnnie should present his petition in writing to the Circuit Superior Court of Washington County in the District of Columbia, praying an order directing the money now in the First National Bank in Washington (Jay Cooke's) to be paid to him, as Guardian etc., and, in addition, he should also execute a Power of Attorney, to authorize such person as he may designate, to receive the said money. Your brother Bernard is now here, but expects to locate himself, professionally as Chemist, etc., in the City of New York. He has just been appointed by the Board of Visitors of the Military School at Lexington, in Virginia, "Adjunct Professor of Mineralogy, Chemistry & Geology," which, I think, he is disinclined to accept, because of apprehension that the salaries the Institute will be enabled to pay, will be wholly inadequate, and that his prospect of success in New York is more encouraging. He may not therefore be in Washington to give the necessary attention to the collection of the money above referred to, and to avoid any further delay or difficulty about that matter, I would suggest that your Uncle Walter should come to Washington, and, in person, attend to the business. If, however, he shall decline to do so, either because it may be inconvenient for him or for any other reasons, he might give a Power of Attorney to your uncle Philip B. Hooe, who resides in Alexandria & would take pleasure in doing anything in his power to serve him or you. If your uncle shall adopt that course, he can enclose his Petition to the Court, together with the Power of Attorney, to you uncle Phil, in Alexandria.

In the losses you have sustained and the privations to which you have been subjected, you have my sincere sympathy, which is also extended to your dear Grandma, whose health I regret to hear has been injuriously affected by the trials she has had to encounter.

I am pleased to hear that you will probably be at school in Washington next winter: if so, I will have the opportunity to see you, as I think of visiting that City in December, and will perhaps pass the winter there.

Johnnie must follow your good example and write to me: it will afford me the pleasant opportunity of seeing his proficiency, as well as evince his kind remembrance of me: and you must recollect that I will be always most happy to read your letters which you can find time to write to me.

Present my kind remembrance to your dear Grandma, in which your Aunt Ellen unites.

Your uncles Bernard & Phil are in good health - the former retaining his office in the Coast Survey in Washington - and the latter has gone to establish himself in business at Alexandria, which he fears will be an uphill business. Your Aunt Mary Johnston, with the Doct. and all their children are well - Belle at home - Willie, an M.D. and resident Physician in the Hospital in New York - Bunnie has a position in Jay Cooke's Bank in Washington - Jemmie still at school and of good promise & very sprightly - and little George, the baby, rather delicate in health, about eight years old. Your aunt Ellen's health a good deal impaired; the children all well - Nannie at school, now & then only - 18 years old - Nellie, Birdie & Geo, regularly at school - & Philip Rollins, the youngest, a fine boy of four years & much fatter and spoiled, of course. I feel the compliment you pay me and am flattered by your asking for my likeness, which is cheerfully enclosed to you. It is the last I have, but cannot refuse to send it. Accept for your self & Johnnie the assurances of my constant & unchanged affection. My kind remembrance for your Grandma & all the other members of your dear mother's family. Your Grandpa, B. Hooe

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Written from New York City, New York. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin attempting to start a consulting chemist business.

Biographical / Historical

During the time period following the Civil War, Mark B. Hardin attempted to start a business in New York City, New York in partnership with William Gilham (1818-1872). Gilham was a West Pointer (Class of 1840) and the former Commandant of Cadets at VMI during Hardin's tenure there before the War.

Transcription

My dear Sue, I have just received your letter & hasten to answer it. I am really ashamed of myself for not answering your last before this, but I have put it off from day to day in hopes of being able to write more cheerfully. Please don't stand upon ceremony with me; write whenever you can & if I don't answer promptly know that it is not because I don't think of you.

My business has improved some lately & I am in hope that it will pay next year. In that belief I have refused three very handsome offers lately. By the way, speaking of business matters, please tell your Uncle Walter that Phil Hooe wrote to him on important business some time since but has no answer. It would be well for your Uncle Walter to write to him.

I do so long for the time when I can settle down & have you and Johnny with me. Tell the boy that he must study & improve himself. I do not wish to be disappointed when I see him. And you Sue, must take care of yourself & not frolic too much at parties. I am delighted to hear at any time that you are enjoying yourself, but be careful of your health & don't always sit up or dance until morning. I am pleased to know that your representation as a house-keeper is so good. I am prodigiously fond of good bread & ginger snaps. I hope to eat some of your making one of these days. I have here a short time since Cousin Sue Hardin, her sister Cynthia, & Jimmy. The second time I called upon them, they had left the city.

Hope however to see them here again soon. It was a great pleasure to meet them.

Grandfather & Aunts Mary & Ellen, Phil, & in fact all the family, ask after you frequently. I always send love. I have written in great haste, my dear Sue, because I am fortunately busy, and I would not put off an answer a single moment lest it might be deferred disgracefully long. Be assured that I often think of you & Johnny & that I hope our "brief acquaintances" may in (?) ripen into something like affection. Love to all Yours affectionately Bunny

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Written from Alexandria, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin potentially accepting a faculty position as Professor of Chemistry at VMI.

Transcription

June 6th 1867

My dear Sue I have been so constantly on the go since I received your letter that I have really not had time to answer it in a way at all satisfactory to myself.

I shall probably remain in Alexandria for a week or two as a middle point between New York & Lexington. In the present unsettled condition of my business & the uncertainty as to the future, it is absolutely impossible for me to think of paying you a visit. You cannot be, my dear Sue, more anxious to see me than I am to see you.

I have not been since the war ended in a situation, which would admit of absence from my business. Until I feel that I am settled, it must be a positive & serious disadvantage to me to leave the busy part of the world. I have been & am endeavoring to find a place, which I can make my home. As yet I have not decided, but think it more than probable that I shall accept the chair of Chemistry at the Va Military Institute. So soon as I can possibly go south I shall go to see you. Meantime you must feel that my interest in you is unaltered and that it is only a stern necessity, which keeps us so long apart.

The invention is now in the hands of manufacturer & I do not know what will come of it. They seem very hopeful.

Grandfather is here with us. He is quite feeble with age but his health in other respects is good. He always asks (as do the whole family) most affectionately after you & sends now his love to Johnny & yourself. Rest assured that you shall see me as soon as I can take "a leave" & that I am always your Devoted brother Bunny

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Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's position at VMI and family news.

Transcription

V.M.I. Lexington, Va July 28 (1867)

My dear Sue, I do not know which of us is the debtor, but it is a matter of small moment should it be considered worth something to wish on such a hot afternoon. Our pastor, the Rev. (William) Pendleton, deferred services on account of the offensive heat, & in reflecting over my short comings I numbered among the most prominent the infrequency of my letters to you.

You have probably heard or at least "guessed" that I have been appointed Professor of Chemistry in the Institute. I have accepted the position, believing it the best thing that I can do - certainly at present.

If we are not interfered with in any way (and there seems to be no possibility of it) the school promises to be a great success. I do hope that I may be able to settle down in a home at last.

I saw young Mr. Goelet in Alexa(ndria) a short time (?) & was glad to meet him & hear from you and cousins Julia & Eliza. When I left them in Alexa(ndria) & Washington Grandfather, Aunt Mary & Belle were all recovering from sickness - and as I have not heard since I presume they are still recovering.

I will when the weather is not so terribly (?) (?) you (?) account of Lexington and its improvements. Remember me kindly to your Grandma & Uncle Walter & tell Johnny he is certainly old enough to write.

I enclose a photograph. When you & Johnny can have some taken send me one. Your affectionate brother Bunny

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Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions that VMI is making progress on the restoration of war-damaged barracks.

Transcription

V.M.I. Lexington, Va Nov 2, 67

My dear Sue I would have written sooner but I have but recently returned from a trip to N. York. Phil Hooe was married to Miss Mary Dangerfield in Alexandria on the 15th Oct. and I went on to wait on him. The Superintendent at the same time sent me to N. York on business for the Institute.

I only stayed three days in Alexandria. The wedding was a very quiet one no one being present except the members of the family. The loss of Phil will be keenly felt by Aunt Ellen who has looked almost entirely to him as a protector since the death of Mr. Fowle. He will however be so near her in the same town that she will soon become reconciled, I hope, to the new state of things.

Grandfather's health is somewhat improved though he does not seem to be entirely free from recurrences of the complaint of last summer. Bunny Johnston was not well when I left - the rest of the family in good health.

I met Will Hardin in N. York. Told him to give my love to you when he sees you & to tell you how I regretted the necessity, which kept me from seeing you.

The Institute is progressing satisfactorily. We have now 250 cadets, as many as our buildings can accommodate in their present condition. We expect to have the restoration of the barracks completed by next Spring or Summer - Give love to Johnny & your grandma & remember me to your Uncle Walter. Yours affectionately Bunny

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Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's engagement to James Berrien MacPherson.

Transcription

Va Military Institute Lexington Va Dec 6th 67

Your letter has just reached me, my dear Sue, and I can scarcely express my astonishment at the news it contains. I thought from your previous letters that you were either in jest or that you were, like most girls of your age, building castles to play with in the air.

I had no idea that you were serious, and could scarcely believe it now but for the womanly and dispassionate way in which you write.

I should have been much pleased to have met Mr. McPherson. I am gratified to know that you are not acting hastily and that the engagement has the entire sanction of your relatives. It would give me pleasure to visit you this winter & I would like to be present at your wedding, but I do not see how I can possibly go.

Thank my little coquette of a cousin for her thoughtfulness, and tell her if she is satisfied, of course I am. She speaks very authoritatively, however, and I should like above all things to give her a little lecture on the subject.

I am glad to hear that Johnnie is improving & taking some interest in his studies.

Remember me to your Grandma & Uncle Walter & believe me yours affectionately M.B. Hardin

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Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's upcoming marriage.

Transcription

V.M.I. Lexington Va Jany 18th 1868

Why have you not written, my dear Sue? I should have made this inquiry before, but we have been so busy during the day lately with our examinations and so thoroughly worn out at night that I have really been unable to do more that to wait for an answer to my last. This answer I have anxiously look for, as you said in your letter announcing your engagement that the day for the marriage was not definitely fixed. I took it for granted that you would let me know the day appointed, for while I could not leave the Institute to be present at the wedding, yet I expected to be present with you in spirit. I suffice therefore that the wedding has been deferred. Let me know all about it.

Grandfather & all the family wrote me that they wished you much happiness, & Grandfather has written to congratulate you if he has been well enough to do so. He wrote for your address, saying that he would certainly write to you, but he has been subject to so many attacks lately, that I fear he may not have been (?) enough to do so.

I can scarcely forgive you for keeping me in such suspense & hope you will say(?) and atone for the past by writing without delay. Let me know the time fixed.

Love to your Grandma & Johnny & remembrance to your Uncle Walter - Love to cousins Julia & Eliza when you see them & tell the latter I hope to have that quarrel with her yet. With best love yours affectionately Bunny

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Letter regards family news and explains the layout of the family burial plot.

Transcription

Jany 23rd 1873

My dear Sue, I have been intending for some time to answer your letter which has very (?) indeed. But you know how it is as well as I can tell you everyone who has many duties & cases find it difficult to write just when he thinks of it or feel like it. I know that I am not thoughtless - I sent you some days ago one of Lauriston's pictures. I intended sending you a "head" which shows his face & expression better, but Mother thought the full length figure would give one who had never seen him a better idea of the child. When I have more of the "head" printed I will send you one also.

I am glad that you & your family are well & that Johnny is about to go to work. I wish he could have made himself a physician & established himself where he could have had a lucrative practice & made a reputation.

Still if he prefers business to practicing medicine I would not have him go against his inclination or tastes.

A wholesale Gr(ocer)y business if properly managed is a very profitable one, and even the ordinary retail business can be made to pay well.

I have not learned anything more my dear Sue about your mother's grave. As I told you, I went to Alexandria & asked everyone that I thought likely to know anything about it. I was not present at the funeral nor at that of Father. Father was buried in our little family lot, and I do not see how there could have been room for either your mother or little Fannie.

The lot is small - These lie in it. Grandfather, Grandmother, (?) Bernard, Mr. Fowle, & the children lost by Aunt Mary & Aunt Ellen. In one corner of it my Mother & little brother Lauriston & next to them our father. So little space has there that I could not erect a memorial to Father such as I wished & therefore had to place two small marble stones to mark the spot & to put the dates on the side of my mother's monument which faces his grave. This is a painful subject to me as well as your self & I would not enter into such details except to make the case clear to you.

The only possible place in the lot it seems to me was in the corner next to my mother's grave, but the sexton said he did not think there was room there & he could not dig to see without removing, or endangering, my mother's monument. The only person I have not yet asked about it is Aunt Mary in Washington. I will do this, and if I go on next summer will try my best to ascertain something about it. I was at little Fannie's funeral, but cannot recollect (though I have tried again & again) where she was buried. It is very strange that no one seems to know anything about the matter - but as I told you, I never had, until I wrote you a few years ago about father's death, the slightest idea that your mother was buried in Alexa(ndria). May you not after all be mistaken?

Love to your Grandma, & Johnny, remembrances to your Uncle Walter, regards to McPherson, kisses to the children & yourself. Yours affectionately MBH

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Written from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter encloses money for Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.

Transcription

Clemson College, S.C. May 7th 1895

Dear John I enclose money order for $1.23 which according to your letter is my share of taxes on Montgomery Co property for 1894 - You do not state whether state of taxation has been diminished or whether you have surrendered some of the land, or finally whether we have ceased to pay taxes in the Hill share. Please explain - Mr. Cutler (?) - Section Missing - ...to hear that you have had sickness in your family. Love to all Yours affectionately M.B. Hardin

Scope and Contents

Written from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter regards family news and Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.

Transcription

Clemson College S.C. Sept 28 1897

Dear John When I wrote you last year about the tax on Montgomery Co N.C. property you said that you were just going to attend to it, but you have not written about it since - Please let me know what I owe to (?) - My last payment according to my books was May 7th 1895 $1.23.

I hope you are well. I was in Marlborough Co S.C. last spring and was surely tempted to run over & see you & Sue but found that I could not spare the time.

I am sorry we can not see something of each other & that Sue's girls & mine can not manage to exchange visits - My girls have been in Va this month. Love to all - Affectionately your brother M.B. Hardin

Scope and Contents

Written from Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

March 24 99

Dear John Your letter is quite a treat. Mary has been with you a long time but as you are all so good as to wish her to say until after Easter I will give my consent as I understand that Sue will come on with her. I hope Eliza will come also. Mary has enjoyed, and is enjoying, herself greatly, and I am very glad she has had the chance of knowing you all - I only whish I could go down and bring the party back with me. Love to all Yours affectionately M.B. Hardin

Scope and Contents

Written from Holy Trinity Church, Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards the Hardin Family memorial window.